Arthroscopic removal of osteochondral fragments of the cervical articular process joints in three horses

Abstract

ObjectiveTo report arthroscopic osteochondral fragment removal from the equine cervical spine articular process joints (APJs) including long‐term follow‐up.Study DesignCase series.AnimalsThree Warmblood horses with forelimb lameness and/or reduced range of motion of the cervical spine with osteochondral fragments between the cervical vertebrae C5/C6 or C6/C7.MethodArthroscopy of the APJs of C5/C6 and C6/C7 was performed under general anesthesia. Following endoscopic evaluation of the joints, osteochondral fragments were removed using a rongeur.ResultsAll horses recovered from anesthesia with no anesthetic or minor postanesthetic complications. One horse needed a second procedure for fragment removal. Fourteen to 31 months post‐surgery the horses were sound for their intended use and neurological examination revealed no abnormalities.ConclusionArthroscopic removal of osteochondral fragments can be performed safely in the equine cervical APJs of C5/C6 and C6/C7 resulting in a favorable long‐term outcome.Clinical SignificanceArthroscopic removal is a valid option for horses showing clinical signs that can be attributed to osteochondral fragments in the APJs of the neck.

Percutaneous full endoscopic foraminotomy for treatment of cervical spinal nerve compression in horses using a uniportal approach: Feasibility study

“…Prange et al described endoscopic anatomy of the cervical spinal canal and its use as a diagnostic tool for cervical stenosis myelopathy but did not distinguish patient diagnoses between no compression, spinal canal and nerve root compression 17 . Recently, an arthroscopic approach to the cervical APJs has been developed in horses diagnosed with arthropathy and osteochondrosis of the APJ without IVF stenosis 18–20,22 …”

“…13 Alternatively, a lateral foraminotomy was specifically developed to address compressive lesions within the foramen. 14 Very few attempts have been made to develop a minimal invasive approach for diagnosis and treatment of cervical vertebral pathology in horses [17][18][19][20][21][22] and there are only a few studies regarding endoscopic spinal surgery and arthroscopy of APJ in horses. [17][18][19][20] Prange et al described endoscopic anatomy of the cervical spinal canal and its use as a diagnostic tool for cervical stenosis myelopathy but did not distinguish patient diagnoses between no compression, spinal canal and nerve root compression.…”

“…14 Very few attempts have been made to develop a minimal invasive approach for diagnosis and treatment of cervical vertebral pathology in horses [17][18][19][20][21][22] and there are only a few studies regarding endoscopic spinal surgery and arthroscopy of APJ in horses. [17][18][19][20] Prange et al described endoscopic anatomy of the cervical spinal canal and its use as a diagnostic tool for cervical stenosis myelopathy but did not distinguish patient diagnoses between no compression, spinal canal and nerve root compression. 17 Recently, an arthroscopic approach to the cervical APJs has been developed in horses diagnosed with arthropathy and osteochondrosis of the APJ without IVF stenosis.…”

“…17 Recently, an arthroscopic approach to the cervical APJs has been developed in horses diagnosed with arthropathy and osteochondrosis of the APJ without IVF stenosis. [18][19][20]22 The purpose of this study is to describe a percutaneous endoscopic cervical intervertebral foraminotomy technique using a uniportal approach in horses.…”